Chase Johnson, senior, advanced to the boys state tennis tournament tonight after going 4-1 in the section 6AA tournament.

Although Johnson lost to the overall number one seed in the semi finals, he defeated the number three seed in the third place game and defeated the number two seed in the “true second place” game to go to state by a score of 6-0, 6-3.

Johnson, who was a captain this year, made the jump from number three singles last season to number one singles this year. He started the season off shaky, however, his goals never wavered.

“From the first practice my personal goal was to make it to state for singles. I knew I had worked hard in the offseason and hoped all that hard work would pay off,” Johnson said.

Daniel Grayson, senior, played most of the season at number four singles and number two doubles for the Royals. Grayson has seen the growth and maturity that Johnson plays with.

“He for sure deserves [going to state]. Every single season he gets better and better. The kid he beat to go to state, he lost to during the season and then he demolished him in sections so that just shows how much of a competitor Chase is and how he’s never satisfied with losing. All he does is compete,” Grayson said.

Now that Johnson has reached his goal of advancing to the state tournament, he has set a new goal.

“Just play the best tennis I can. I know anyone that I play will be really good, and a win is not guaranteed so I just want to play my best and see what happens,” Johnson said.

The first round of state is on June 4 at 8 am at the Baseline Tennis Center at the University of Minnesota. If Johnson were to win, his next match would be in the state quarterfinals at 12 pm the same day.